Stark is of a different mold than Dalemaria Williams, McNair's outstanding back last season, who as a senior rushed for 1,414 yards with 17 touchdowns to help the Eagles reach the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Williams was 5-foot-8, 180 pounds. Stark is just 5-6, 160.

Despite his stature, Stark is just as comfortable running in traffic as he is in the open field. Through six games, he has rushed for 862 yards with nine touchdowns. He has scored in five of the Eagles' six games and surpassed 100 yards in all but one.

"For a kid his size, he runs really hard, really physical," third-year head coach Phil Soria said. "He's solid muscle from head to toe. When he runs, he'll lower his shoulder, and he's not afraid to go around you or go through you, or he'll just outrun you. He's that fast of a kid."

Stark said his size has always led people to doubt his abilities. He's used that doubt as motivation.

"People took me very lightly," Stark said. "People thought that, because I was so small, I wouldn't run hard. I've always used that to prove people wrong."

Stark said he still enjoys the reaction of defensive players when they try to tackle him.

"They're surprised," he said. "They get a look in their eyes like, 'Wow, I wasn't expecting that.' That's what I like to see."

Stark isn't the only Eagles player generating surprise. McNair has an exceptionally small offensive line, particularly for a large school, averaging less than 200 pounds. It was Soria's biggest concern entering the season. It turns out the offensive line has been a strength .

"Our biggest fear was our offensive line," Soria said. "We're probably the smallest line in the city, but they've been aggressive and they really know the blocking schemes. They've really surprised me with how well we've been able to run the ball."

Right guard John Manglicmot is just 5-8, 180.

"He's the smallest but probably the toughest pound-for-pound" on the line, Soria said.

Manglicmot and his linemates - Josue Vega, a third-year starter at right tackle, center Agustin Lara, left guard Aaron Apolinario and left tackle Chris Hortizuela - are close friends off the field.

"That's more important than people realize," Soria said. "It's huge for us. When they're away from the football field and they're away from us, they're still together hanging out talking about football. ... Being so close, they compete in the weight room. If one guy is (benching) 250, the next guy is going to try to put up 255 or 260. They're feeding off each other."

Manglicmot said a boost in confidence has been critical.

"Our speed and the technique we've learned from coach (Buck) Rohles is more important than size," he said. "We know that with good technique we can handle an opponent even though we're undersized."

Manglicmot said Stark's stature can also be an asset, even in traffic.

"Because of his size, he's able to see a hole and hit it where maybe (a bigger running back) wouldn't be able to."

While Stark is the Eagles' catalyst this season, he said playing behind Williams last year was sometimes difficult. He had just 18 carries for 70 yards with no touchdowns. But instead of pouting, he used his junior season to watch and learn.

"It was frustrating, but I understood what Coach was doing," Stark said. "I just sat back and took note of what to do and what not to do. It really helped. (Williams) showed me how important it was to hit the hole with power. At times last year, I was timid. I'd just watch him and he'd hit the hole strong. He'd always take what the defense gave him."